In June 2024, Kenya witnessed a historic surge of youth-led activism as Generation Z took to the streets, culminating in the storming of Parliament. Sparked by the controversial Finance Bill 2024, these protests marked a turning point in Kenya’s political landscape. Now, the country continues grappling with these events’ fallout months later. This article traces the trajectory of the uprising and explores how it has reshaped Kenya’s politics moving forward.
The Spark: Finance Bill 2024 and Gen Z’s Response
The Finance Bill 2024 ignited the wave of protests that gripped Kenya. The proposed legislation aimed to increase government revenue by raising taxes on essential goods, including food and internet services. For many young Kenyans, already struggling with unemployment and economic instability, the bill directly threatened their livelihoods.
Angered by the potential rise in living costs, Kenya’s Generation Z responded by mobilizing online. Using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), they organized decentralized protests, calling for economic justice. The momentum grew quickly, drawing thousands of supporters and culminating in nationwide demonstrations.
The Climax: June 25 Protests and Police Response
On June 25, the protests reached their peak. An estimated 200,000 young Kenyans filled the streets of Nairobi, chanting slogans and demanding that the government withdraw the Finance Bill. The atmosphere shifted from peaceful to tense as demonstrators attempted to breach security barriers around Parliament. The government’s response was swift and severe: police used tear gas and, in some instances, live ammunition to disperse the crowds.
Despite these tactics, some protesters broke through the security cordon, briefly occupying parts of the Parliament grounds and causing property damage. This incident drew national and international attention, sparking condemnation of police brutality. Reports indicated multiple fatalities and injuries among protesters, adding fuel to an already volatile situation.
The Fallout: Public Outrage and Police Accountability
Public outrage over police violence became the central focus in the weeks following the protests. Two deaths, in particular, ignited fury: Rex Masai, shot in Nairobi’s Central Business District on June 20, and Evans Kiratu, killed during protests in Nakuru on June 21. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched investigations into these incidents, promising to hold those responsible accountable. However, IPOA’s work has been hampered by budget constraints and limited cooperation from law enforcement.
Amidst mounting pressure, Inspector General Japheth Koome resigned in July 2024. His replacement, Douglas Kanja, pledged to reform Kenya’s police force, restore public trust, and improve transparency—an ambitious task in a country with a long history of police impunity.
Government’s Response: Concessions and Political Maneuvers
President William Ruto made several concessions to calm the public in response to the rising discontent. He removed the proposed VAT increases on staple goods like bread and vegetable oil, a move designed to address the economic hardships that triggered the protests. Furthermore, Ruto initiated multi-sectoral dialogues in mid-July, bringing together youth groups, political leaders, religious figures, and civil society to discuss Kenya’s deeper challenges, such as corruption, tribalism, and public debt.
Ruto’s strategy also included forming a broad-based government by inviting opposition figures to join his administration. This move, which saw participation from key figures in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), including Raila Odinga, aimed to foster political unity. While some praised the decision as a step towards healing a divided nation, others viewed it as a political maneuver to weaken the opposition’s influence.
Judicial and Legislative Reactions: Push for Reform
The Kenyan judiciary played a critical role in pushing for greater accountability from law enforcement. Justice Lawrence Mugambi’s firm stance led to the temporary conviction of Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli for contempt of court when he failed to respond to court summons over allegations of police-linked abductions. Although Masengeli’s conviction was later rescinded following a public apology, the case underscored the judiciary’s growing determination to address police impunity.
Douglas Kanja’s appointment as the new Inspector General received rare bipartisan support in Parliament. Lawmakers emphasized the need to transform Kenya’s “police force” into a “police service,” prioritizing transparency and accountability. Kanja’s background in managing security crises was seen as crucial for leading this transformation, signaling a political consensus on the urgency of reform.
Digital Activism: A New Era of Youth-Led Movements
The June 2024 protests underscored the power of digital activism. Unlike traditional political movements, which often rely on established leaders, this Gen Z-led uprising was leaderless and decentralized. Protesters used creative methods—ranging from viral social media campaigns to street performance art—to convey their message, capturing the attention of a global audience.
This approach represents a shift in how young Kenyans engage with politics. The movement’s emphasis on digital tools and non-traditional protest tactics set it apart from previous generations, signaling a new era of civic engagement in Kenya and the Kenyan American Diaspora. It also mirrors a broader trend across Africa, where youth activism increasingly uses online platforms to challenge established power structures.
Beyond Kenya: A Broader Wave of Youth Activism
Kenya’s Gen Z uprising is part of a larger phenomenon sweeping across Africa. Youth-led movements demanding better governance, economic justice, and accountability are rising, from Nigeria’s #EndSARS movement to South Africa’s Fees Must Fall protests. Kenya’s protests have shown that young people are politically aware and willing to take to the streets for change. This generational shift could have far-reaching implications, reshaping political landscapes across the continent.
What’s Next for Kenya’s Political Landscape?
Months after the Finance Bill protests, Kenya remains in a state of political flux. President Ruto’s steps to stabilize the nation through dialogue and coalition-building are still unfolding. While he has made concessions and adjusted his administration, the underlying demands for systemic change have not been fully addressed. Many young activists continue to insist that true reform requires more than dialogue; it requires tangible policy shifts.
The Gen Z movement in Kenya remains active, using digital platforms to sustain pressure on the government. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these protests will result in lasting change or fade into history as another moment of youth-driven defiance. Will the government implement genuine reforms to address the grievances that led to this moment, or will Kenya’s youth remain disillusioned and disengaged?
What do you think about the impact of Kenya’s Gen Z-led protests? Can digital activism truly drive lasting political change? Share your thoughts in the comments below!